TSGT (Ret) MELVIN WARD JR.
Nov. 23, 1967-July 30, 2009
"Though I am from your presence now
and you can't see my face,
I walk in peace with a joyful heart
in a far better place. "
TSGT (Ret) Melvin Ward Jr., 41, lovingly known by his family and friends as "Mel" of 311 Hunters Creek Drive, gently passed to his heavenly home on Thursday morning, July 30, 2009, at Wayne Memorial Hospital.
Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009, at 11 a.m. at Saint Mark Church of Christ Disciples of Christ, 700 W. Ash St., with Bishop Alton A. Smith officiating.
Burial will follow at Wayne Memorial Park Cemetery, South.
Mel was born in Manhattan, N.Y., on Nov. 23, 1967, and he was the son of Melvin Ward Sr. and Mary Barnes Ward of Hampton, Va.
Mel was a graduate of Kecoughtan High School in Hampton, Va., and he graduated in the Class of 1985.
In 1987, Mel joined the United States Air Force. Bravely and earnestly, Mel served his country for 20 years and retired as TSgt on June 30, 2008. Mel had been stationed on many bases during his military career. Seymour Johnson AFB became his home of sorts back in 1985. Mel's many deployments included fighting the war in Afghanistan. He received the Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service from 2002-2008, which proved that he was good at what he did and it did not go without recognition.
Mel's love ran deep for his family. That love ran even deeper for the love of his life, Antoinette Jacobs Ward. They were married on July 10, 1999.
Mel wanted nothing more than to be able to provide for his family, guide his children through the perils of life and to spend quality time with his family. Always he worried if he fell short, but we all knew that he surpassed all expectations.
Mel's second love was his motorcycle. He was a proud member of the Goldsboro Chapter of the "Redliners."
Melvin is survived by his loving wife, Antoinette Jacobs Ward of the home; one son, Darren Terrell Ward of the home; three daughters, Nya Samone Ward and Brianna Shani Benedict of the home and Courtney Nicole Ward of Williamsburg, Va.; his parents, Melvin Ward Sr. and Mary Louise Ward of Hampton, Va.; one brother, Russell Ward and wife, April, of Richmond, Va.; his mother-in-law, Dorothy Jacobs of Goldsboro; two sisters-in-law, Charlenna Bennett-Carter and husband, Edmund, of Goldsboro, and Nina Jacobs of Morrisville; two brothers-in-law, Maurice Jacobs and wife, Shonise, of Goldsboro, and Charles Jacobs Jr. of Waldorf, Md.; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
A viewing will be held on Monday, Aug. 3, 2009, at Hamilton Funeral Chapel, 423 S. James St., from 2 until 7 p.m. Also, a wake will be held on Monday evening from 6 until 7 p.m. at Hamilton Funeral Chapel, 423 S. James St., with the family present to receive other family members and friends.
At other times, the family will receive friends at the Ward's residence, 311 Hunters Creek Drive, Goldsboro.
Cards, Love-Grams and condolences may be faxed to Hamilton Funeral Chapel at 919-735-4725, or e-mailed to hamiltonfc@bellsouth.net.
Flowers may be sent to Hamilton Funeral Chapel, 423 S. James St., Goldsboro, N.C., 27530, prior to the funeral service.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on August 2, 2009 10:19 AM